Patents by Inventor Rick Wehrmann
Rick Wehrmann has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11801988Abstract: An inflatable packaging web (3201) includes a continuous web of preformed pouches (3200) and an outer skin (612). The continuous web of preformed pouches is defined by two panels (18) connected together along first and second side edges (14) and either connected together or folded along a bottom edge (20). At least one of the panels is inflatable. The outer skin is disposed over at least one of the inflatable panels. The outer skin is attached to the at least one of the inflatable panels along at least a portion of the height of the first and second side edges. The preformed pouch includes at least one fold such that a folded portion (3215) of the two panels is folded over a first portion of the two panels.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2020Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)Inventor: Rick Wehrmann
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Publication number: 20220340351Abstract: An inflatable packaging web (3201) includes a continuous web of preformed pouches (3200) and an outer skin (612). The continuous web of preformed pouches is defined by two panels (18) connected together along first and second side edges (14) and either connected together or folded along a bottom edge (20). At least one of the panels is inflatable. The outer skin is disposed over at least one of the inflatable panels. The outer skin is attached to the at least one of the inflatable panels along at least a portion of the height of the first and second side edges. The preformed pouch includes at least one fold such that a folded portion (3215) of the two panels is folded over a first portion of the two panels.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2020Publication date: October 27, 2022Inventor: Rick Wehrmann
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Patent number: 7897220Abstract: A preformed web and a method of producing dunnage units from the preformed web. The web is an elongate flattened thermoplastic tube having an inflation edge and an opposite edge. The tube includes spaced transverse seals that define sides of pouches. In one embodiment, the web is configured such that a gap forms between each pair of adjacent pouches when the pouches are inflated. In one embodiment, an inflation edge of the web comprises a frangible connection that allows the inflation edge to be broken by an unsharpened object.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2006Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.Inventor: Rick Wehrmann
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Publication number: 20100192526Abstract: The present invention concerns a machine and a method for converting a web of preformed pouches to dunnage units. In one exemplary embodiment the machine includes a drive, a blower, and a sealing mechanism. The drive is arranged to move the web of preformed pouches along a path of travel through the machine. The blower is positioned with respect to the path of travel, to inflate the preformed pouches. The sealing mechanism includes a heating element support and a heating element. The heating element support includes a sealing side and a belt preheating side. The heating element is disposed around at least a portion of the heating side and at least a portion of the belt preheating side. The drive includes a belt that is disposed around the heating element. The sealing mechanism is positioned with respect to the path of travel, to provide seals to the pouches to form inflated dunnage units.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: Automated Packaging systems, Inc.Inventor: Rick Wehrmann
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Publication number: 20090158691Abstract: The present invention concerns a machine and a method for converting a web of preformed pouches to dunnage units. In one exemplary embodiment the machine includes a drive, a blower, and a sealing mechanism. The drive is arranged to move the web of preformed pouches along a path of travel through the machine. The blower is positioned with respect to the path of travel, to inflate the preformed pouches. The sealing mechanism includes a heating element support and a heating element. The heating element support includes a sealing side and a belt preheating side. The heating element is disposed around at least a portion of the heating side and at least a portion of the belt preheating side. The drive includes a belt that is disposed around the heating element. The sealing mechanism is positioned with respect to the path of travel, to provide seals to the pouches to form inflated dunnage units.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2009Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicant: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.Inventor: Rick Wehrmann
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Patent number: 7513090Abstract: The present invention concerns a machine and a method for converting a web of preformed pouches to dunnage units. In one exemplary embodiment the machine includes a drive, a blower, and a sealing mechanism. The drive is arranged to move the web of preformed pouches along a path of travel through the machine. The blower is positioned with respect to the path of travel, to inflate the preformed pouches. The sealing mechanism includes a heating element support and a heating element. The heating element support includes a sealing side and a belt preheating side. The heating element is disposed around at least a portion of the heating side and at least a portion of the belt preheating side. The drive includes a belt that is disposed around the heating element. The sealing mechanism is positioned with respect to the path of travel, to provide seals to the pouches to form inflated dunnage units.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2006Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.Inventor: Rick Wehrmann
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Publication number: 20080014389Abstract: The present invention concerns a machine and a method for converting a web of preformed pouches to dunnage units. In one exemplary embodiment the machine includes a drive, a blower, and a sealing mechanism. The drive is arranged to move the web of preformed pouches along a path of travel through the machine. The blower is positioned with respect to the path of travel, to inflate the preformed pouches. The sealing mechanism includes a heating element support and a heating element. The heating element support includes a sealing side and a belt preheating side. The heating element is disposed around at least a portion of the heating side and at least a portion of the belt preheating side. The drive includes a belt that is disposed around the heating element. The sealing mechanism is positioned with respect to the path of travel, to provide seals to the pouches to form inflated dunnage units.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2006Publication date: January 17, 2008Inventor: Rick Wehrmann
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Publication number: 20070054075Abstract: A preformed web and a method of producing dunnage units from the preformed web. The web is an elongate flattened thermoplastic tube having an inflation edge and an opposite edge. The tube includes spaced transverse seals that define sides of pouches. In one embodiment, the web is configured such that a gap forms between each pair of adjacent pouches when the pouches are inflated. In one embodiment, an inflation edge of the web comprises a frangible connection that allows the inflation edge to be broken by an unsharpened object.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2006Publication date: March 8, 2007Inventor: Rick Wehrmann
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Publication number: 20070054074Abstract: A preformed web and a method of producing dunnage units from the preformed web. The web is an elongate flattened thermoplastic tube having an inflation edge and an opposite edge. The tube includes spaced transverse seals that define sides of pouches. In one embodiment, the web is configured such that a gap forms between each pair of adjacent pouches when the pouches are inflated. In one embodiment, an inflation edge of the web comprises a frangible connection that allows the inflation edge to be broken by an unsharpened object.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2006Publication date: March 8, 2007Inventor: Rick Wehrmann
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Publication number: 20060086064Abstract: A preformed web and a method of producing dunnage units from the preformed web. The web is an elongate flattened thermoplastic tube having an inflation edge and an opposite edge. The tube includes spaced transverse seals that define sides of pouches. The tube includes lines of perforations that allow adjacent dunnage units to be separated. A starting point of the lines of perforations is spaced apart from the inflation edge. The positions of the starting point of the lines of perforations with respect to the inflation edge is selected such that a cutter that cuts the inflation edge clears the line of perforations. Binding or wrinkling is therefore not caused by engagement of the cutter with the lines of perforations.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2005Publication date: April 27, 2006Inventor: Rick Wehrmann
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Publication number: 20060042191Abstract: The present invention concerns a machine for converting a web of preformed pouches to dunnage units. The pouches are defined by transverse seals that extend from a remote edge to within a predetermined distance of an inflation edge. In a first embodiment, the machine includes a guide pin, a drive, a blower, and a sealing element. The guide pin is insertable between the transverse seals and the inflation edge. The guide pin defines a path of travel of the web. The drive moves the web along the path of travel. The blower is positioned with respect to the path of travel for inflating the preformed pouches. The sealing element is positioned to provide a longitudinal seal that intersects the transverse seals to close the preformed pouches and form inflated dunnage units. The disclosed examples of machines for converting a web of preformed pouches to dunnage units including various improvements to existing machines.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2005Publication date: March 2, 2006Inventors: Bernard Lerner, Hershey Lerner, Rick Wehrmann, Dana Liebhart
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Publication number: 20050266189Abstract: A preformed web and a method of producing dunnage units from the preformed web. The web is an elongate flattened thermoplastic tube having an inflation edge and an opposite edge. The tube includes spaced transverse seals that define sides of pouches. In one embodiment, the web is configured such that a gap forms between each pair of adjacent pouches when the pouches are inflated. In one embodiment, an inflation edge of the web comprises a frangible connection that allows the inflation edge to be broken by an unsharpened object.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2005Publication date: December 1, 2005Inventor: Rick Wehrmann
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Patent number: 4899520Abstract: A packaging machine and method for simultaneously loading, sealing and severing bags forming part of at least two independent chains of bags. Two juxtaposed nip roll assemblies including axially aligned feed roll portions can be independently actuated in order to selectively feed one or two webs. A drive motor, having a dual output, is selectively coupled to the nip roll assemblies by clutch/brake units which can be selectively actuated. After a bag or bags are loaded, a sealing mechanism is actuated to seal the loaded bag or bags. A sensor monitors movement in a seal unit member and terminates the sealing cycle if movement in the seal member occurs prior to the pressure bar reaching a predetermined position. While a bag or bags are being sealed, a tear off mechanism including a rod-like member is advanced into and through the web path in order to sever the loaded bag from the remainder of the web.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1988Date of Patent: February 13, 1990Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.Inventors: Bernard Lerner, John Gereby, Rick Wehrmann
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Patent number: 4565592Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for applying a series of labels to a corresponding sequence of containers. Operation of a label applying apparatus is automatically monitored and corrections made to that operation based upon apparatus performance. More particularly, after an endmost label is severed from a web of like labels, the position of the end of the web is sensed and the web end repositioned in anticipation of the next label applying stage. More accurate labeling is achieved without disrupting the speed with which labels are applied.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1984Date of Patent: January 21, 1986Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.Inventors: Rick Wehrmann, Robert Haby